WHAT IF The Transfer Portal Never Existed! Offense Edition
WHAT IF the transfer portal never existed!
Tulane Green Wave 2026 offensive starters would be built almost entirely from original high-school recruits (plus a few who later left).
How many wins would this team get?
Quarterback
Darian Mensah
Mensah was a 2023 high-school signee who redshirted, then exploded as a freshman in 2024 (2,723 yards, 22 TDs). He would be a junior/RS-soph in 2026 and the clear starter. Dagan Bruno (John Curtis walk-on who impressed in 2026 spring) and true freshman Trace Johnson would battle for the backup job.
Running Backs
Makhi Hughes (feature) with Jamauri McClure, Trey Cornist, Arnold Barnes, Javin Gordon in rotation.
Hughes (original Birmingham recruit) posted 1,401 yards and 15 TDs in 2024 before leaving for Oregon. McClure (2024 Goshen, AL signee) already flashed 1,000-yard potential in late 2025. Gordon (2025 Stephens County, GA signee) ran for 516 yards as a true freshman. That bunch would give Tulane a strong, physical backfield.
Wide Receivers
Hunter Sumners, Zycarl Lewis Jr., Garrett Mmahat
Hunter Summers was a 2023 Prosper (TX) high-school signee who redshirted his only year at Tulane before transferring to Arkansas State. He later became a starter there (44 catches, 505 yards, 4 TDs in 2025).
Lewis (Venice, FL original signee) is a returning speed/slot piece.
Mmahat (New Orleans product) and Oliver Mitchell Jr. (also NOLA) would fill the third and fourth spots.
Tight End
Alex Bauman- Court Injunction
The 2022 Red Bank Catholic (NJ) signee and Cotton Bowl hero (game-winning TD vs. USC) had 13 career TDs at Tulane before leaving for Miami. He would be a senior in 2026 and the clear starter. Gabe Lovorn and 2026 freshman Colby Simpson would provide depth.
Offensive Line
LT Dominic Steward/Tristen Fortenberry
LG Shadre Hurst/Elijah Baker
C Jayce Mitchell/Tylan George
RG Reese Baker/Landry Cannon
RT Sully Burns/Darion Reed
Hurst (2022 Cartersville, GA recruit and two-time All-AAC guard) would still be the anchor instead of heading to Houston. Reese Baker (Madison Academy, AL) was the only returning starter from the 2025 CFP line. Elijah Baker, Juelz Baptiste (St. Augustine, New Orleans), Dominic Steward, and Darion Reed are all original Tulane recruits who would have more time to develop. Sully Burns adds size on the outside.
Bottom line:
The 2026 offense would revolve around future Heisman winner Mensah throwing to Bauman and a group of homegrown receivers, with Hughes/McClure/Gordon carrying the run game and Hurst anchoring the line.
Tulane has historically done well developing and recruiting its own high-school talent; this version would test how far that model could go without the portal safety net.
Could you win a Natty with this offense?!?
Who would be the HC and OC in this diff universe?
If I’m missing anyone feel free to let me know!
Defense coming soon!
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